1. COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE
TRAINING UPDATES
for a
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE
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2. C D L – Commercial Drivers Guide
Identify all key parts-proper name, location, use
Know your bus and equipment
Utilize maintenance staff for assistance
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3. Commercial Drivers Guide
Use the current Commercial Driver Guide
Current edition is at
School Bus Drivers In-service

4. Pre-trip and the Air Supply
Now only three system checks to the air supply
system
Air Leak Test
Low Air Warning
Parking Brake Valve
Governor check is now with gauges – not an
automatic disqualification check
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5. Air Supply System Common Errors
Time air leak for full minute
Always release parking brake
Turn key on before low air warning
Correctly complete all three system checks, as
the tester is not allowed to return once this
area is completed. You can ask to start over during this portion
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6. Pre-trip and Common Errors
Any missed items may be brought to the attention of the examiner during the test.
Engine to be running for proper gauge check
Bushing check often omitted from suspension
Slack Adjusters – include loose/missing items, secure, along with proper adjustment
Service door must be operated with control, and shut to properly check 8-way system
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7. Basic Controls Preparation
Starting Sept.1, 2011 basic controls changed
Three maneuvers instead of two
18 cumulative errors allowed
25 or more errors disqualifies from any further testing
Added ability to get out of bus, check position, and return to maneuver
School Bus Drivers In-service

8. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-2013
Basic Controls – Straight line backing
Must back full 100 feet
(old format was 2 times vehicle length)
Lane 12 feet wide
(same as previous format)
Mirrors no longer an
encroachment error
(old format included mirrors)
Final backing box 3 feet
(old format was 2 feet)
School Bus Drivers In-service

9. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-2013
Basic Controls – Straight line backing
SCORING CRITERIA
2 errors scored for encroaching a boundary
Mandatory stopping of bus upon encroachment
2 errors scored for encroaching behind boundary
Mandatory pull-up if behind last cone
School Bus Drivers In-service

10. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-2013
Basic Controls – Straight line backing
SCORING CRITERIA
1 free pull-up before errors scored for pulling up
1 opportunity to get out and look at bus position
10 errors scored for not finishing in 3-foot boundary
Horn and mirrors required prior to each start of backing motion
School Bus Drivers In-service

11. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-2013
Basic Controls – Offset to right backing
Must back full 140 feet, moving 1 lane to right. (new maneuver)
Lane 12 feet wide X 40 feet long
Final backing box 3 feet
Mirrors no longer an encroachment error
(old format included mirrors)
School Bus Drivers In-service

12. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-2013
Basic Controls – Offset to right backing
SCORING CRITERIA
2 errors scored for encroaching a boundary
Mandatory stopping of bus upon encroachment
2 errors scored for encroaching behind boundary
Mandatory pull-up if behind last cone
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13. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-2013
Basic Controls – Offset to right backing
SCORING CRITERIA
2 free pull-ups before errors scored for pulling up
2 opportunities to get out and look at bus position
10 errors scored for not finishing in 3-foot boundary
Horn and mirrors required prior to each start of backing motion
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14. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-2013
Basic Controls – Alley dock backing
Must back into 12’x20’ docking stall
May not position bus more than 50’ from front of stall to start maneuver
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15. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-2013
Basic Controls – Alley dock backing
SCORING CRITERIA
2 errors scored for encroaching a boundary
Mandatory stopping of bus upon encroachment
2 errors scored for encroaching behind boundary
Mandatory pull-up if behind last cone
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16. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-13
Basic Controls – Alley dock backing
SCORING CRITERIA
2 free pull-ups before errors scored for pulling up
2 opportunities to get out and look at bus position
10 errors scored for not finishing in 3’ boundary
Horn and mirrors required prior to each start of backing motion
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17. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-13
The Road Test
Scoring is now closer to national standards
Student stop exercise has been added
Start and Stop on hill replaced with Roadside start and stop – not necessarily on a hill now
Number of lane change increased from 2 to 4
Possible scored errors up to 316 from 186
Disqualifying score raised from 18 to 26 (with automatic transmission)
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18. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-13
The Road Test – Key Items
Both hands to remain on the wheel unless shifting or operating a control- never in turn
Shifting not to occur while in curve or intersection
Traffic checks to include both mirrors – prior, during, and immediately following intersections
Speed limits change at signs, not during approach
When starting motion, wheels must be straight ahead, i.e. turns, intersections, starting from roadside
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19. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-13
The Road Test – Key Items
Lane changes require R.&L. mirrors prior to movement
Transmission in neutral and parking brake set at student stop
Correct lane positioning for multi-lane turns
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20. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-13
Automatic Disqualifications
Seatbelt usage only on road test
Any accident
Dangerous action
Vehicle over curb or sidewalk
Violation of law
Fails to perform
NEW – Moving vehicle with the door open
NEW – Driving 15 mph under posted speed limit due to lack of skill
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21. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-13
Summary
Always use current CDL guide for training and study.
Utilize maintenance staff if needed.
Know your equipment well and learn necessary defects to inspect for.
Utilize the option to look at vehicle position during the backing exercises.
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22. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-13
Summary
Remember correct mirror usage along with required frequency.
Correct hand position and vehicle lane selection are critical.
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23. Evaluation (Questions)
Three key elements to the Pre-Trip
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24. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-13
Evaluation (Answers)
Three system checks to the air supply system now.
Engine must be running to correctly check gauges.
Outside of air supply system – items may be recalled and told to the examiner
Slack adjusters often miss complete verbiage, i.e., loose or missing parts.
Full one minute (must be timed) for the air leakage test.
School Bus Drivers In-service

25. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-13
Evaluation (Questions)
2. Question:
Three key elements to the Basic Controls
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26. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-13
Evaluation (Answers)
You may utilize getting out to check bus position.
19 or more failing, 25 or more disqualifies from further testing.
When getting out of bus utilize safe exiting and proper securement.
10 point error for finishing outside 3’ boundary.
Utilize horn and mirror prior to any backing movement.
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27. Evaluation (Questions)
Key elements to the Road Test
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28. School Bus Drivers In-service 2012-13
Evaluation (Answers)
Proficiency is now expected to be at 90%.
Hands are required to stay on steering wheel unless shifting.
Serious errors may result in immediate disqualification.
Both right and left mirrors must be utilized every 10 seconds, intersections, lane changes.
Be aware of bus speed in relation to posted speed limit.
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